Grants to improve cities in Weakley, Crockett counties

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has announced the award of transportation grants for Weakley and Crockett counties. The grants will fund improvements in the cities of Dresden, Martin, Bells and Maury City.

The city of Martin received the largest grant, with $1,020,780 going to fund Phase IV of its Downtown Improvement Project. Dresden was awarded a $520,000 grant for Phase III of the Green Rail Trail Project.

Bells was awarded a $320,612 grant for Phase II of the Downtown Improvements Project, while Maury City received a $293,692 grant to fund Phase II of its Downtown Revitalization Project.

“Enhancements to our downtown areas increase pedestrian and visitor traffic to businesses and recreation areas,” Haslam said. “We want to continue to make our state an even better place to live, work and raise a family, and projects like these are key to making that a reality.”

The Martin project is a continuation of previous ones to improve the character of the downtown area. Phase IV includes the installation of approximately 1,600 feet of new sidewalks on the north and south side of East Main Street, extending to the intersection with McComb Street and the addition of pedestrian crosswalks and lighting.

The Dresden project is being developed in conjunction with several other city-funded recreation projects. The project will convert a former railroad line into a pedestrian and cycling trail that connects to downtown Dresden. Phase III also includes trail head parking at Festival Park, sidewalks along Evergreen Street and a connection across Evergreen Street along South Parkway to Wilson Park. New landscaping and pedestrian signs will be added.

The Bells project is located on Main Street between Tenn. 76 to Front Street. It includes the replacement of curb, gutter and sidewalks. New benches, pedestrian lighting, bicycle racks, landscaping and pavement markings for parking will be added.

The Maury City project is located on the east side of First Street. It includes a pedestrian connection to the Maury City Park. Existing curb, gutter and sidewalks will be replaced. New landscaping, benches and lighting will be installed. Sidewalks also will feature a band for future granite markers to commemorate the town’s history.

The transportation alternative grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“Through these grants, TDOT has funded more than $306 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation and increase opportunities for economic development.”